Think back to your first love. From that undeniable first spark to the first kiss to, often, the last everything is new and exciting. It's the kind of experience you don't forget, and the second time around may be just as meaningful, but it's not the first.
First loves are often like infatuations. You can't get enough of the person and nothing else matters. You'll spend every second of the day together whether it's good for your (or them) or not. And first loves usually don't last. When they do last, there are usually lots of other loves or almost loves in between. But we learn about life and relationships from first loves.
They prepare us for real love. Real love isn't always as exciting, but it's real. It lasts. Real love is mature, healthy, and takes into consideration your love's best interest, not just your desire. I think I have found real love with my current WIP. It isn't as exciting as Phantom Fires (which ironically wasn't my first ms and will always be my first love so to speak) but it is enjoyable, fun even. It makes some great points, but never gets preachy. It has a solid plot--seven points-woo-hoo! But more importantly, when I get feedback for it, I can usually see want the critter is saying. It takes me a week, but I can see how to change it, and how the change will help. I want to change it. I want to make it the best it can be. I want to give it it's best chance in the world. And that's growth, because Phantom Fires, I'll probably never be able to properly edit. I still love it with the burning desire of a first love.
Ha! Manuscripts are like lovers, or your very own children, or a strange combination thereof. I'm happy that you feel like this ms is strong! Power on, you!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are loving your WIP. That's such a great feeling. :)
ReplyDeleteAh, young MS love. So sweet. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely thought. Yes, we never forget our first love, even if it's a story we wrote, and we shouldn't. We learn from the first. Nice post.
ReplyDeleteIf you can have CPs and betas take on your story, give you feedback, and you can still chop it up happily -- whew, that is love right there! Editing and rewriting is just some tough love (it hurts you worse than it hurts the WIP, right?) Glad to hear you're still in love with your story :)
ReplyDeleteI tend to think of my WIPs as my children, lol. Love them to death, hate deleting scenes when I edit, but when you haev an amazing editor like I do, it's not so bad. Still, it's my baby.
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